Biographies Books

After reading both David McCullough's biography of Adams and now this one, I have concluded that Ferling's is the better of the two. The main reason is that although McCullough's is slightly more extensive, Ferling's book has a much more realistic view of the man. As his book Almost a Miracle shows the many tactical mistakes that Washington made, this book does the same with Adams. It makes sure to reckognize Adam's flaws as well as his virtues. For example, his frequent hypocracy, his recurrent neglect of family, his indecision, his self doubt, and his many political misjudgements are all fully acknowledged. Yet even with these faults, its overall view of Adams is still that of a great man.

In addition, Ferling's writing is practically as good as McCullough's, so read this book.

I will echo what others have written. This book gives almost every detail of John Adams life. It is an outstanding biography that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical books.

By the last page of this book you'll feel like you personally know John Adams. You'll know what drove him to succeed, his stregths, his weaknesses, his personality and most everything that can be known about a person.

As a detailed and thorough look at the life of a man, this biography is superb.

The first book I read about the times surrounding the American Revolution was "John Adams A Life" by John Ferling. It had the effect of tuning me in to the enormous impact the Adams had during that time. David McCullough has written an equally glorious work on the man who many are unaware of his historical relevance. There is no other American - no other patriot- with the exception of George Washington, who did more toward winning the Revolution and establishing our republican form of government than John Adams. I will go on record as saying that I believe Adams impact on the success of the revolution to be unparalleled. Yes, even George Washington's contribution cannot supplant Adams' role in history. Although Washington's work in the battlefield approaches genius, the key to the victory was Adams' diligent and selfless role in bringing the budding nation's leaders together for the common cause. Without his leadership, the likelihood of victory in the war would have been much more difficult for Washington. Although Adams was admittedly overly concerned with his place in history, his actions were selfless and directed to a single noble cause. Adams could very well have authored the Declaration of Independance but deferred to Jefferson as he knew that his value on the floor of the Continental Congress was much more important. His oratory skills were far superior to Jeffersons and they both knew it. Moreover, much of the verbage in the document came from Adams pen. Adams was a man with many personal flaws, but what makes him so interesting to study is his awareness of these flaws and his honesty in his personal documentation. Reading Jefferson's writings on the contrary seem to be made for the public. Jefferson was also one to avoid conflict while Adams had no fear. If the CC was filled with men like Jefferson, the revolution would surely have been relegated to the next generation. It is unfortunate that Jefferson has received more repute than Adams and hopefully books such as these will change this. Adams wrote to his beloved wife Abagail, "Yesterday the greatest Question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater perhaps, never was or will be decided among Men". He may have been correct, but this question would not have been decided if not for his leadership. He also wrote "Mausoleums, statues, monuments will never be erected to me". Hopefullly this statement is not correct and the nation will more fully give him his appropraite due.

This is an excellent biography, following Adams from birth to death in one volume, and detailing both the positive and the negative aspects of the man clearly and fairly. I've been fascinated by Adams ever since seeing the movie "1776", which gives a marvellous "based on fact" dramatization of the writing and signing of the Declaration of Independence, and this book gave me a more thorough, more strictly factual look at the man. I wasn't disappointed on that score; he's just as interesting without the dramatic liberties taken by the movie.

My only quibble with this book is that the editing, at least in the edition that I have, is rather poor. There are numerous errors in grammatical structure and word choice, the kind of errors that I have become accustomed to in mass market paperbacks but refuse to accept in a scholarly historical work. Things like "he requested that the Congress name his successor be named in his place" and "...the British ... was ready" and "the New England sates" (rather than "States") and "the House of Representative" (even back then, there was more than one representative in the House) and "the dreary weather proved not be a herald of the months ahead" and many others. I understand that mistakes happen, and don't demand perfection. But there are just too many of this kind of error in this book for me to say that it is well-written; probably two dozen, if I had to guess.

Overall, this is a worthwhile biography of a fascinating president. Hopefully, future editions will clean up the writing a bit more.

Anyone who saw "Junior Bonner", and was entranced by Barbara Leigh's performance as Charmagne, cannot help but find this partial autobiography absorbing and rewarding reading. Similarly, anyone who saw and enjoyed the best of Elvis and Steve McQueen will be immediately attracted.

This book is written from the heart; it is devoid of both the taint of the popular media and casual hype. The style is almost conversational, as the writer follows different related paths in recounting her various adventures with the three titular protagonists. From her tough childhood to the loss of her son, and the failure of her marriages, you cannot help but respond; if you can keep that lump out of your throat you are a better man than I, Gunga Din.

It provides new insights into the worlds of movie-making and top-class entertainment; legendary director Sam Peckinpah needed a lot of convincing that Barbara was right for the role of Charmagne, and treated her abysmally , whilst Elvis' treatment of his lady friends and his entourage will no doubt surprise many of his fans.

As a London-based Francophile, I would have been interested to hear more of her life in Paris with Roger Vadim, and in London with her husband, but these were all incidental to the title of the book.

But be warned - this is no kiss-and-tell lurid account of an aspiring actress/model's encounters with three of America's successful men. As I said earlier, it is a candid review of part of Barbara's life which will provoke a response in the heart and spirit of any reader. I want to read it again, but my eldest daughter, a devoted Elvis fan, decided she wanted to read it first. OK, I can wait.

Thank you, Barbara Leigh, for sharing your experiences with us.

I recently finished Barbara Leigh's book The King, Mcqueen and the Love Machine. As an enthusiastic fan of Elvis and Mcqueen, her book was utterly fascinating.

There are rare, vivid insights into how Elvis lived in Vegas in the early 70s...how he demanded a very regimented world of nightly shows, post-show dressing room audiences with worshipers, late night parties back in his suite with the Memphis Mafia, a bevy of beauties, and one special girl each night ...who he took behind closed doors at the end of the night.

You'll enjoy a strange, enticing glance behind those bedroom doors: how he was a child, a rock star, a manipulator, a gentleman, an addict, a friend, and a deeply talented but utterly-flawed human. How obtusely insecure he was...and how he couldn't be left alone...insisting his woman sit next to him until he went to bed. How he doled out pills. And shower her with gifts.

Mcqueen meets Barbara at a casting and later lands her a part in his film Junior Bonner, where they begin an affair under the Arizona sky and the disdain of Martin Ritt. Mcqueenloves her in many ways (asking her to move in with him as his marriage to Neil collapsed), and again, Barbara sincerely tells it how it was with a "supe". While Elvis insisted on dresses, Mcqueen chugged brews and loved her in blue jeans. He was raw, and unpolished...but always running from his childhood of abandonment and poverty. Barbara even played a captivating role as messenger between Ali Mcgraw and Mcqueen, until she no longer wanted part of the deception.

There are thrilling moments in LA bars, Palm Springs, New York, on commercial shoots, in France, Mexico at Sinatra's...and much much more.

Also fascinating...all three men knew of each others involvement with Barbara, and were drawn to her, not only because she was stunningly beautiful, but because she was honest with them...and had her choice of the cream of the A-listers. They saw her as a sincere friend, who wouldn't settle down. She was in ways, like they were...living larger than life.

The photos of Barbara illustrate why these men were so captivated by her...she was the embodiment of raven-haired, flower-child beauty. Couple that with her sincerity and hunger for adventure and she was the angel so many men create in their mind.

Finally, Barbara saw all three men once more, near the ends of their lives. Each of these men had fallen tragically towards the end...hard for us to imagine since they are forever burned in our minds as legends. Nonetheless, this book offers unique insights into their outlooks near the end.

I highly recommend this fresh and revealing look at some of the greatest stars. Honest. Romantic. Sexy. Sad. it's all in here.

And her new 2008 audio biography is just as amazing with real people playing the parts. Check it out here on amazon!!!

If anyone ever lived a fast-paced and adventurous lifestyle it was Barbara Leigh during the 1970's. Her story is unique, one-of-a-kind and will never be duplicated. I wanted to read her book because I was always a big fan of Steve McQueen, and on that score, her chapters on Steve are informative, exciting and moving. Although these men are some of the most charismatic and powerful people of their time, it is Barbara Leigh who leaves the most lasting impression. Fame and fortune cannot compete with her kindess, inner-beauty and loving nature. Her story is well-told and is a real "page turner".

As a die-hard Elvis fan for the last 40 years, I bought Barbara's book solely to read about her relationship with him. But I was quickly captured with her entire life story, from her first recollections of her traumatic childhood, to the death of her beloved son, through her overcoming spirit of today.

I easily have 30+ books on Elvis and without a doubt, this is in the top two or three. I was riveted by her memories of Elvis and her relationship with him. Barbara was blessed to know him and she often speaks of what a good heart he had. She writes about Elvis with love, loyalty and admiration. At the same time, she does not sugar-coat the drug use, mood swings and other human frailties.

Beyond her physical beauty, one can readily see why Elvis was attracted to Barbara. One comes away with the clear sense that she is a loving, kind and nurturing person. The fact that Elvis kept in touch with her through the years is a testament to that fact. There are undoubtedly only a handful of women in his life who can make that statement.

As the title of my review states, I bought this book because of Elvis but ended up loving the entire story. I invite all Elvis fans to do likewise. Barbara writes with candor, emotion and detail, the good and the bad, the bitter and the sweet. But she is never bitter. I felt as if I were right there with her through her entire story.

As the other reviewers noted, this book focuses on a few years in Barbara's life in the 1970's when she was a young Hollywood starlet making movies with actors such as Rock Hudson, Steve McQueen, and Tom Selleck. and modeling for all the big companies. She tells of her fast-paced work and romantic life involving some of the most powerful men in the entertainment business: Elvis Presley, Steve McQueen, and Jim Aubrey.

While she shared with the public a side of all three men that was unique to the public hungry for personal information about celebrities, she did so in a way that I found to be respectful and loving to these men, without intent to trash their memories. I came away with the feeling that she still cherishes each one and her time with them. I'd bet she's a classy lady.

I remembered watching Barbara in movies in the early '70's simply because of her stunning beauty. I was happy to read her book and learn more about her and her life. There were some beautiful photos of her in this book, and I'd love to see a book published of nothing but photos of her, in larger sizes. (For the record, don't take this wrong--I like men!!)

When I started reading this book I could hardly put it down. It was well-written, as well has having interesting subject material. I highly recommend it, even if you don't generally read books of this type.

Finest biography on Churchill ever written. A pity Manchester died before completing the third book of the trilogy.

William Manchester informs and entertains in this excellent historical account of the critical years leading up to WWII, juxtaposing the appeasement practices of predecessors Baldwin and Chamberlain with the unwavering belief in the principles of freedom held by Churchill. The book (along with Manchester's first volume) gives terrific insight into the transition from the glory days of the British Empire to the Post WWI apathy that beset the British public. As well, the work provides delightful commentary on the characters surrounding Churhill's life including his colorful mother Jennie, his wife Clementine and his nemesis Adolf Hitler.

The Last Lion, Alone covers the history of Europe from the time Hitler first came to power in Germany to the time that Hitler invaded the Low Countries and World War II began. During this period Churchill, who continually fought against the appeasement policies of Chamberlain, rose from Back Bench irrelevance to become Brittan's Prime Minister.

The history of this period is a gripping saga of one man's malicious attempt to dominate Europe and another man's noble efforts to stop him - a classical case of good vs evil - told as an almost unbelievable story in the words of a master story teller.

I was adrift when I finished this volume.
grasping at pathetic things to read for a while - nothing satisfied - Manchester can set the stage, his historical background is so rich that you'll find yourself spouting about it to your friends.

You'll learn more from this book than a two semester course in 20th century history.

Churchill himself is the lead player in a panapoly of exciting elements. But manchester never lets the reader forget the place in history - the man was a masterful writer.

After the fall of France in June 1940, Winston Churchill was begging USA President Roosevelt for military aid (in fact, all sorts of support was then needed) as no one knew what would the 'fate' of the French fleet was going to be.
Churchill kept reminding the American president that Britain would not surrender even if left alone.
Churchill was defiant despite the fact that the two 'key' American ambassadors, in France and Great Britain, were pro Hitler (or at least they were not anti-Nazi).
Joseph Kennedy (USA Ambassador to GB) openly cautioned his fellow Americans against entering the war because the 'allies' would soon be beaten.
However, I would have liked to see more comments about the position and reaction of the king - king George VI.
Was he indifferent?
We should remember that Hitler had been addressing the King as the man whom the British Government circles have loathed, and as the only 'hope' for a reconciliation between the Third Reich and GB.
In this context it is true that Churchill was indeed ALONE

I have been having so much fun with this book! I especially appreciate the very specific tools he presents here for determining your body type, proportions, and what clothing types are most flattering to you, rather than vague generalities found in many other style/beauty books. Mr. Hopkins' approach is not so much to teach you to hide signs of aging or try to hide your age, but to look your best at your true age, and emphasize your best features, which even those of us who are 45 and over still have, darn it! This is an important distinction, in my opinion, and sets his book apart from others aimed at older women, particularly Ms. Krupp's "How Not To Look Old" , which just comes across as desperate to me. Leg makeup and botox? No thanks!

Since I bought this book, I've purged my cosmetics drawer and my closet, gotten professional advice on a new skin care regimen and makeup application, and am looking for a new hair stylist.

I do agree with another poster who said that tailoring some of the fashion advice to specific body types would be helpful if there are future editions/updates. Overall, there is no other beauty/style book out there like this one, and I heartily recommend it.

From the minute you open this book, you will be so glad you did. It will transform your thinking about yourself, your clothes and makeup. After a few days of using this book, I have gotten rave reviews and everyone seems to notice! This is a must have book. His methods take very little effort- making a few changes in dress and makeup make all the difference.
Buy it! You will be transformed while remaining you.

Christopher Hopkins book is the best beauty book I've ever read. He talks to women over 45 and inspires you and more importantly teaches you in clear, easy ways how to look younger and to be the best you can be. Christopher breaks down each part of your appearance and shows you how to find your body type, your personality type and then how to make changes that make you look and feel better. He used women from his area for the makeovers and he made them look so much better that if you mixed up the before and after photos, you would have trouble matching many of them.
I used the book and changed how I wore the clothes I already own to make them work better for me and immediately began getting compliments on my appearance. Makeup has always been confusing for me, but he makes it simple and shows you exactly what to buy and how to apply it. I have followed his advice and now wear foundation for the first time in my life and love it. I think every woman over 45 who is ready to feel new, refreshed, and younger should read this book!

I'm way too young for this book (got it for my mom), but it actually had great makeup and fashion tips for us both. It also inspired me to dress "young" while I still can! :)

This is a fantastic book! Christopher Hopkins presents his topic in a personal, entertaining, factual, and very useable format. He is an extremely talented person in his field and possesses the equally important gift of being able to communicate his skills to his clients and the general public. His makeovers are unbelievable! If you're interested in the topic, you'll love this book!

"Tejano and Regional Mexican Music" by Ramiro Burr represents progress toward filling an information gap in Tejano Music. The book measures up in terms of providing authoritative information about a subject that's near and dear to many Tejanos, but that has not been adequately documented. It's a fascinating look at Tejano Music by a contemporary writer who is connected to the musicians themselves, their handlers, promoters and to the members of the media who cover the subject on a daily basis. As a writer for the San Antonio Express News, Ramiro is uniquely placed to gather and then spread current information on the subject, and he did exactly that in his book. But he also provides a historical perspective. The book is a real source for today's generation and for those who follow. Thanks Ramiro.

It's great to see that "Tejano And Regional Mexican Music" is available on Amazon.com and that it can be easily accessed by the thousands of Tejanos all over the world who are hungry for this type of information.

RAMIRO BURR deserves all the good he gets from this book.It is so informative and educational for everyone to read.TEJANO AND REGIONAL MEXICAN MUSIC book brings back memories from the days i was growing up in the valley.It will be a pleasure to have this book in my home to read over and over.To whoever is thinking about buying this book go for it you will not regret it. ROGELIO LUNA Freeport,Texas

Ramiro Burr's book on Tejano and reg Mex music is the most fascinating, most comprehensive and most illuminating work in the history of this industry. If you're a novice or beginner, this book will educate you fast, with fact-based bios, tons of info and ready made lists of what CDs to buy and listen to. Or, if you're a veteran you'll get much joy of reading interesting facts and juicy biographical info on your fave artists from trio and mariachii to Tejano and norteno legends. From Adalberto, Fama, Jay Perez to Los Lobos, it has it all. As Mr. Burr oftens says, the book is important because the history of a music, a culture or a country is incomplete unless everyone's contributions are documented. Finally Tex-Mex has its due recognition.JR

Ramiro Burr's book on Tejano and reg Mex music is the most fascinating, most comprehensive and most illuminating work in the history of this industry. If you're a novice or beginner, this book will educate you fast, with fact-based bios, tons of info and ready made lists of what CDs to buy and listen to. Or, if you're a veteran you'll get much joy of reading interesting facts and juicy biographical info on your fave artists from trio and mariachii to Tejano and norteno legends. As Mr. Burr oftens says, the book is important because the history of a music, a culture or a country is incomplete unless everyone's contributions are documented. Finally Tex-Mex has its due recognition.JR

I am a freelance writer for Latino oriented publications and have found Ramiro Burr's book an invaluable reference and resource tool when writing about Tejano music.

Like many other people, I had heard of Glen Turner, Koscot Interplanetary and Dare To Be Great. Like most people who rely solely on the news, I believed that Turner was a crook, a swindler and a thief. But at that time, I also believed that MLM was crooked and that Amway was a illegal pyramid scheme as well.

A friend of mine knew that I was into personal development and network marketing, had apparently come across some old tapes by Turner and gave them to me.

When I first listened to Turner, I thought he had a bad cold. Later I would find out that he had a harelip and consequently, a permanent speech impediment. Despite that, the man exuded enthusiasm that was incredible. I was glad that my friend gave me these tapes.

With the tapes came a book called "Con Man or Saint?" which reviewed the controversy behind this man. It was written by a pulitzer prize winner. I have no association with Turner other than these tapes and the book, but I came away feeling that this was a very unusual man.

Turner literally turned the MLM industry on it's ear at that time. He was also able to turn $5000 into over $100 million in 2 years. That would be close to a billion in todays dollars.

I did some internet surfing on Turner and came across alot of stuff, most notably I found several articles by Jeffrey Gitomer, America's top sales trainer praising Turner and the positive impact that Turner had on his life as well as others.
Gitomer also say's "to get any tape by Glen that he ever did."
After listening to the tape set, I agree. He is a great motivator.

While I can't say whether Glen Turner was/is a Con Man or Saint, I do feel that the man did a lot more good for this industry that what some people give him credit for. His philosophy is making a major impact for me in the network marketing company that I am in right now. Gitomers book The Sales Bible is also a parcel in my wealth training library. I highly recommend it.

I have no idea what Turner is doing these days, but I would like to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your tapes and the book and if Turner happens to read this and is open for an opportunity, contact me

http://www.myxango.com/platinumteam

In the 1970's, Glenn W. Turner was a walking and talking advertisement for personal development and positive thinking. "You can have anything you want in life" Turner would say, "If only you will build belief in yourself and go after it."

And how could you argue with the guy? Here was a man with a harelip, a speech impediment and had dropped out of grade school and had created a $300 million company starting with only $5,000 of borrowed money.

Turner would wave his harelip like a magic wand and would blow away any excuses you might have about not being able to succeed.
No matter where or who you where, Glenn W. Turner had started off with much less....but amassed a fortune in excess of a quarter of a billion dollars, lear jets, 78 companies around the globe and "American of the Year."

Turner, Turner, Turner" The King of Network Marketing tells the truth about what really happened to Koscot Interplanetary and Dare to Be Great. It tells the facts about the Great American Mail Fraud Trial.

If you have ever experienced a setback in your life or are experiencing one now, you will find Turner, Turner, Turner inspiring and motivating.

You will also find a thing or two about how our government works (or at least did back in 1970's America) and why you should beware of being Rich and being right. Beware of helping to create over 800 millionaires and positively affecting the lives of thousands more.

Turner, Turner, Turner is a great book about a great man who undeservedly was sold down the river for doing nothing more than challenging people to "Dare to Be Great" and "Better their Best." And then showing them how to reach their dreams if only they were willing to believe in themselves, step up on their toes and go for it.

Great book. Highly recommended.

In 1969 I was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. As I layed in bed hopig to recover, I felt as though my entire world had collapsed. My old job was gone, money was running short and I wasn't sure if I would be able to walk normally, if at all again.Then a friend loaned me a record by Glenn Turner called; "Glenn Turner Speaks Out". I felt as though Turner was talking directly to me and it really inspired me. A key phrase by Turner; "Confidence is the bullfighter who goes into the bullring with mustard on his sword." really fired me up. (Previous to this record, my self confidence, self esteem and self concept had dropped to zero)My Doctor informed me that I recovered faster than normal and I truly believe that it was this and other records by Turner that made the difference. Easy to see why Turner recieved special recognition from the recording industry for this record and why it went on to reach gold status in sales.It is great.I highly recommend any and all records or tapes that you can get by Turner. He is indeed the master of motivation. Nobody, does it any better.Thank you Glenn Turner for getting me back on my feet.

I heard Glenn Turner speak many years ago at Notre Dame. The man spoke to our marketing class and commanded three standing ovations!

While I didn't get into his MLM program, I did abide by his principles of believing in yourself and becoming my own Santy Claus.

Turner spoke in parables and is a great speaker. Despite a harelip which made him sound nasal and slurred a few words, this man can speak and inspire.

After listening to Mr. Turner, I realized that h aving a college degree without knowing how to use it. I also realized that I had to "take back my mind" as Turner stated "because you lost it"

His speech on "the great brain robbery" was so true and awe inspiring.

I wish this book was still available. I know all of those members of the graduating class at Notre Dame would buy it in a second.

Great man--great philosophy.

In the early 1970's, a friend of mine invited me to go to a meeting to listen to a man who was the CEO of a high flying company selling a unique cosmetic line of products and a personal development program called "Dare To Be Great." Needless to say, I was intriqued. Not to mention, I had seent he changes in my friend both from the outside with her new personal appearance and skin tone and from the inside, she seemed like a more fun-loving, caring and optimistic persoan that ever before.

The announcer comes to the microphone and introduces the main speaker of the day, the company CEO, a man named Glenn Turner. The music goes loud, we hear the song "Dare To Be Great" which I was later told was sung by Kirby "Sky King" Grant and then Glenn Turner comes running down the aisle like a bionic man, leaps on the stage while the crowd chants:

GO-GO-GO-GO-GO!!!

I had been to meetings before, but nothing quite like this! It sort of reminded me of a religious revival meeting and it appeared as though Glenn W. Turner was the preacher.

As Turner started to speak, I thought he had a bad cold or something, then I was told he had a harelip which also caused his speech impediment. None the less, I sat there mesmerized by this man who sprouted motivational messages and quoted scriptures. I was also impressed at the incredible control this man had over the crowd of about 1,500 or so who came to see him. Turner would just wave his fist in the air and shout "GO" and the loud audience became silent.

So I ended up signing up in the cosmetic company called "Koscot Interplanetary" and later go involved with the motivational company "Dare To Be Great." I attended the regular meetings and the seminars that were held. They made all the difference in me, physically, mentally, spiritually and financially. I only wish I still had those tapes from Dare To Be Great I through IV, the four adventures as we called them back then. That information was tremendous, life changing material.

Regrettably, the government got involved and Glenn W. Turner was hoodwinked so to speak. Most of us felt that he didn't do anything wrong, but the government, the real lawbreakers of the time and the american media like 60 minutes (yes even before Dan Rather with forged documents) worked their "magic" and took this huge company down. Glenn Turner I was told, had close to 80 companies spun off from Turner Enterprises including "Koscot Interplanetary" and "Dare To Be Great" and Turner was worth over $350,000,000 in 1970's dollars. Today that would be around $1.5 billion.

Yes Glenn W. Turner changed my life for the better too along with many others. And certaintly he did a lot more to help people that the people who attacked him. I highly recomment this book and any tape you can get your hands on by him, especially the Dare To Be Great Adventures VOL I through IV.

Thank you Glenn and God Bless You!

El libro es buenísimo, particularmente el estilo de Gabo es genial y lo que lo hace aun mas meritorio es que se trata de un relato autobiográfico. Lamentablemente tengo que advertirles de un error de encuadernación en la edición de pasta dura (hardcover) las hojas vienen mal cortadas, he ya ordenado dos libros y los dos vienen con el mismo defecto. La editorial KNOPF ha hecho un muy mal trabajo. Mi recomendación... busquen otras editoriales.

El autor es un relator latinoamericano costumbrista. El realismo magico es lo comun y corriente en esos pagos. De ilusion tambien se vive. Quiza algun dia se inspire en escribir una novela sobre el realismo magico de la tragedia cubana, dada su intima afinidad con el Doctor Fidel Castro Ruz.

This book is the first in a series. Frankly, I hope that in his next memoir there iwll be more about his literary writing b/c this doesn't cover his marvelous literary career at all.

The first sections of the book which deal with his childhood and schooling are comic and moving, with great turns of phrase and details about his grandfather and large family. What I found less interesting were the accounts of his journalism career. Apart from a very compelling section about a political asassination and its aftermath, I was a little bored. Even worse, I did not feel that some of his bohemian friends were distinguished from each other.

I am going to go back and reread The General in His Labyrinth and the novels that I so adore. I just prefer them.

Although I can consider myself a GGM fiction fan, I encountered "Vivir Para Contarla" utterly more attention-grabbing than any of his other works. Perhaps It was just the fact that he related his real life, from the time before his birth until he was something like twenty eight years old, in such a magical way that I could just not put the book down for more than a few moments. I could come across in this volume with so much of the background that made the genius in Gabo, that I could not accept it as factual. Actually I was so beguiled by the story, by the idiosyncrasy of his large and astonishing family, by the actual brilliance and intelligence of the child, the adolescent and the young man in Gabo, that I unreservedly supposed I was immersed in one more of this author's accomplishments. He relates his non precedent childhood and early adolescent years as a conspicuous reader and writer of poems and stories- which he memorized and recited by hearth-, as a distinguished picture drawer, as a notable singer, as an extremely timid person, in sum: as another character out of its novellas and short stories. He, at the same time, enriches our reading with his detailed and exhaustive career as an anonymous young journalist in Colombia, who spends an awesome amount of his free time discussing literature with his fellow workers and friends, at a time period when literature was the coolest matter to be involved in. However, the social and political backgrounds of his whereabouts are so precise and stuck to Colombian and the World's historic and social events, that henceforth what he conveys us in this first volume of his autobiography must have a great deal of reality in it.
In spite of the fact that a myriad of the characters, locations and events that we find as basis for his novellas and short stories come out of his real life, I do not believe it imperative to be acquainted to any of his other masterpieces in order to devour and absolutely enjoy this volume. It stands unique by itself!
I am anxiously waiting for the subsequent volumes of this trilogy, however due to the actual author's sickness; I don't believe we will be receiving the complete trilogy at all.

"Living to Tell the Tale," ("Vivir Para Contarla"), is the first book in a planned trilogy that will make up the memoirs of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the renown Colombian writer who initially won public acclaim in the mid-1960s for his novel "One Hundred Years of Solitude." At that time, Garcia Marquez, a journalist and writer, had never sold more than 700 copies of a book. While driving his family through Mexico, he had a veritable brainstorm. He remembered his grandmother's storytelling technique - to recall fantastic, improbable events as if they had actually happened - literally. That was the key to recounting the life of the imaginary village of Macondo and her inhabitants. He turned the car around and drove back home to begin "One Hundred Years of Solitude" anew. To my mind it is one of the 20th century's best works of fiction, and was highlighted in the citation awarding Garcia Marquez the 1982 Nobel Prize in Literature.

"Living to Tell The Tale" relates the early years of the author's life, although some of the book's most important incidents predate Garcia Marquez's birth. The impact of these experiences, the people and their stories, were to have a powerful effect on him, as a man and as a writer. This is the tale of his parents' courtship, marriage and the birth of their children, Garcia Marquez, (Gabito), the oldest, and his ten siblings. It tells of his early years which were spent in Aracataca, in the home of his maternal grandparents. His grandfather, Colonel Nicolás Ricardo Márquez Mejía, was a Liberal veteran of the War of a Thousand Days. He was supposedly a storyteller of great repute. The Colonel told his young grandson that there was no greater burden than to have killed a man. Later García Márquez would put these words into the mouths of his characters. His grandmother, Tranquilina Iguarán Cotes, had a major influence on Gabriel's life also. Another great source of stories, her mind was filled with superstitions and folklore, and she gossiped away with her numerous sisters within hearing range of young "Gabito." No matter how fantastic her statements, she always delivered them as if they were the absolute, verifiable truth. This was the style which was to effect Garcia Marquez's fiction, sometimes called "magical realism." These women filled the house with stories of ghosts, premonitions and omens - all of which were studiously ignored by her husband. He had little interest in "women's beliefs."

Aracataca was a small village, a banana town on the Caribbean coast, where poverty was the norm and violence was an everyday occurrence. On December 6, 1928, in the Cienaga train station, near Aracataca, 3,000 striking banana workers were shot and killed by troops from Antioquia. Although still a baby, this event, recounted to him, was to have a profound effect on the author. The incident was officially forgotten and omitted from Colombian history textbooks.

In 1940, when he was twelve, Gabo was awarded a scholarship to a secondary school for gifted students, run by Jesuits. The school, the Liceo Nacional, was in Zipaquirá, a city 30 miles to the north of Bogotá. It was during his school years, 1940s and 50s, that he was first drawn to poetry - a national obsession in Colombia. Verse was revered as an art form, and also as an effective means of social and political commentary. He and his friends, fellow students, would read aloud and discuss poetry late into the night. The youths admired a group of poets called the piedra y cielo ("stone and sky") and they were strongly influenced by Juan Ramon Jimenez and Pablo Neruda. Too poor to buy his own books, Gabo would devour novels borrowed from friends.

While still a boy, he decided he wanted to be a writer. The people who surrounded him in his childhood later became instrumental when developing the characters and the storylines for his novels. "Love In The Time of Cholera" was inspired by the romance between his mother and father. And his grandfather, who had twelve children, (some say 16), by two different women, became Colonel Aureliano Buendia in "One Hundred Years of Solitude."

One of the most powerful episodes of the book tells of the period called "La Violencia." In 1948 the Liberal presidential candidate, Jorge Eliecer Gaitan, was assassinated. The murder led to rioting, and left approximately 2500 dead on the streets of Bogota, during "el Bogotázo." Political violence and repression followed. One of the buildings that burned was the pension where Garcia Marquez lived, and his manuscripts were destroyed along with his living quarters. The National University was closed and he was forced to go to the university in Cartagena. Garcia Marquez began his career as a journalist, writing stories and commentary for a Liberal newspaper in Cartegana. Later he moved to the coastal city of Barranquilla where he began to associate with a group of young writers who admired modernists like Joyce, Woolf and Hemingway, and introduced Marquez to Faulkner. In 1954 he returned to Bogota, as a reporter for El Espectador.

Garcia Marquez begins his book, however, not with his real birth in 1928, but with his "birth as a writer," at age 22. He and his mother took a trip from Baranquilla, where he was working as a reporter, to his childhood home in Aracataca, now virtually a ghost town. They were going to sell the ancestral house. Vivid memories were stirred up here, memories which electrified his imagination. This trip was to change the course of his writing life. "With the first step I took onto the burning sands of the town, Aracataca instantly became Macondo, an earthly paradise of desolation and nostalgia." His one great subject became his family, "which was never the protagonist of anything, but only a witness to and victim of everything." His is not a chronological autobiography. Garcia Marquez cuts back and forth through time to show how memory colors experience. As he says in the book's epigraph, "Life is not what one lived, but what one remembers and how one remembers it in order to recount it."

Humor, dry wit, a sense of the absurd, is a trademark throughout the novels of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and this autobiography is full of his deadpan humor. His anecdotes of his many mistresses and cafe society are wonderful. "Living To Tell The Tale" is not a conventional literary memoir. It is a magical combination of memoir and national history written in the author's remarkable voice. It is his personal mythology, from the repertoire which birthed Macondo. The narrative is intimate and sincere, filled with bewitching details and descriptions. In spite of poverty, and the political turmoil so prevalent in Colombia during his lifetime, Gabo acknowledges his early years were filled with joy, a sense of well-being and encouragement from many people. Garcia Marquez leaves us, at the end of this volume, with a glimpse of his future love, his wife, ""wearing a green dress with golden lace in that year's style, her hair cut like swallows' wings, and with the intense stillness of someone waiting for a person who will not arrive."

Bravo Gabriel Garcia Marquez!!
JANA

This is a collection of essays about the first twelve rulers to bear the name Caesar. It is the definitive collection of eyewitness stories about the early emperors as they were seen by their contemporaries.

The rulers covered by this book include Julius Caesar, his adopted son Augustus and his descendents, the warlords who contended for power in the "Year of Four Caesars" after Nero was overthrown, and the Flavians.

In other words, the full list of twelve is:

Julius Caesar
Augustus
Tiberius
Gaius Caligula
Claudius
Nero
Galba
Otho
Vitellius
Vespasian
Titus
Domitian.

If you want to understand the early Roman Empire, you need to read this book. If you are a budding novelist and want to write about the early Empire, you need to read this book.

Robert Graves, author of "I Claudius" and "Claudius the God" translated this version: not surprisingly many of the snippets of gossip and fascinating little stories from Suetonius find their way into his novels. They also find their way into every good novel about first century Rome that I have ever read, absolutely without exception.

You should not take for granted that every word of Suetonius's account is accurate. For example, he supports the story that Nero set fire to the city of Rome, and then sang an aria as he watched the city burn. (This is story is often misquoted as Nero having fiddled while Rome burned - an impossibility since the violin had not been invented.)

Some modern historians have made a strong case that this was a clever libel spread by Nero's contemporary opponents, that Nero was actually away from the city when the fire broke out and hurried back to Rome to personally lead the fire-fighting efforts.

If they are right it does not cast doubt on Suetonius's integrity as a reporter of what was said about the emperor, because there is no dispute that the story of Nero singing while Rome burned was widely believed at the time. As the saying goes, "Si non e vero, e ben trovato" - if it's not true, it's well invented. Aspects of the story certainly seem in character with many of Nero's other proclivities including his love of art, enormous vanity, and complete ruthlessness. However, it illustrates that Suetonius does seem to have a propensity to repeat every snippet of gossip he heard about the early emperors, with rather less selectivity and critical judgement than the other great ancient historians, Herodotus and Thucydides.

However, for this very reason, though perhaps he is a whisker behind Herodotus and Thucydides as a historian, Suetonius is far and away the most entertaining of the three.

The translation by Graves is very easy to read. This is one of the most important, fascinating, and informative works of ancient history which was ever written.

That question can be solved by me by choosing the former simply because of what survives of his work and here it is: The Twelve Caesars. Tacitus is the other great Roman historian but what survives of his two masterpieces: The Annals and The Histories, is not as comprehensive as what is found in The Twelve Caesars.

The Twelve Caesars is definatley my favorite historical work of the Roman Empire. In it, Suetonious goes over the actions and character of not only the entire Julio-Claudian dynasty but the Flavian as well, making The Twelve Caesars cover roughly 138 years.

This is probably the best historical account of the emperors of the Roman Empire and is the best introduction to other works such as the great works of Tacitus.

lunatics that ruled Rome in the first century, & told very well in the audio cassette format. As history it is not much but as biography it is informative & entertaining. Apparently the mores & standards of decency were much diiferent than they are today. Most of these 12 Caesars did not not rule very long but they impacted the Empire probably for a long time after. I'd like to read more about the individuals that followed Domitian & before Julius thus supplementing other well known works such as the Fall of the Roman Empire. This book however, is a good start.

Suetonius grew up in the years following Nero's reign and wrote these histories while he was the secretary of the emperor Hadrian in the early second century A.D. His book covers the successive reigns of Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian.

The stories focus on the emperors themselves more than the events which took place under their reigns and, although there's certainly some truth to those emperors, many of Suetonius' facts are anecdotal stories and rumors. Suetonius has therefore been called one of the first tabloid writers. Nevertheless, his biographies are rather concise and systematic; touching upon the physical attributes of the ruler, his background, the good deeds (if any) in his reign and then, of course, the bad deeds.

Robert Graves' translation is superb and carries the jovial mood of the writings quite well. I can't help but be amused at some of the stories Suetonius recites on Nero and Caligula as they are definitely two of the most eccentric emperors (to put it lightly)that ever ruled the Principate. For example, when Nero first inaugurated his new gigantic Golden House with a mile-long corridor and a 130' statue of himself at the entrance, he was said to have exclaimed, "At last! I can live like a human being!"

The Twelve Caesars is the first classical book I ever read, and it fascinated me to no end. I'd recommend this is a starter book for anyone interested in the History of Political Power. Gore Vidal reviewed this book years ago, and he wrote an excellent piece about it--the nature of power, the perversions it causes, and the absurd humanity of it All. Hopefully there won't be another Tiberius as President of the USA (we only have our cheap Clintonius) but it's fun to wonder what may become of our American Empire. Please, please buy this book.

Robert Klose's book is a detailed account of the bureacratic hurdles he faced as a single man wanting to adopt a child into his life. He simply wanted a son -- to give a young boy a loving, safe home. But no one made this journey easy. As you follow along through the months and years with Klose, you find yourself thoroughly supporting this man, cheering with him whenever snippets of progress occur. Klose's writing style makes it easy to journey with him. He paints the picture perfectly. Through his story I felt his anger, his disappointment, his resignation to the endless requests for money, and his immediate love for a beautiful Russian boy when he first set eyes upon Alyosha. Read this book. You'll agree that this world is a better place because of men like Klose.

After contemplating single parent adoption (I'm a 39 yo guy) this book has cemented the awesome choice that I'm about to make. The author details the long and hard road he took to be united with his little boy. It details his experiences with the massive bureaucracy BOTH in Russia and the United States along with the subtle and unfair suspicious stigma single males encounter by some adoption agencies and social workers. I recommed this book highly for all single men thinking about adoption.

I've never stayed up until three in the morning to read an entire book... I was bleary-eyed this morning, but Klose's story has kept me motivated all day... I, too, am a single man and have been considering adoption as a way to grow my own family... There is so very little written about single men who want to adopt children specifically, and I'm so glad I found this book, and I did so completely by accident... Klause is an swesome storyteller - his descriptions of his environments (both external and internal) were so vivid I felt like I was righit there with him - in his backyard in Maine, on the airplane going to Russia, and in the little ram-shakle house that Aloysha lived in... It was a very visual story - it unfolded like a movie...This is an emotional roller-coaster ride of a story, plowing thru pracitally every emotion on the human scale... In the scene when little Aloysha first looks to Klose and asks, "Papa?", my heart just about popped... Great as a travelogue, an instruction manual, and an inspirational story on how a single man can create a family... Click on "Add to cart" and BUY THIS BOOK!!!!

I knew the book would be good, but had no idea it would effect me so profoundly--it brought tears to eyes--such passion and compassion in this man and his quest for a son. You'll be the edge of your seat throughout the book. What determination this man has, what insight and strength of character to follow through despite the many obstacles he managed to tackle. I want more!!!!When is the next book coming out? This is must read for anyone who loves children, who is intersted in adoption or anyone who has challenges and needs inspiration!!!

I received this book with low expectations considering previous tactical books I had read on the subject. It stopped me in my tracks.
I was so impressed by Robert's literary style and story-telling ability. He allows us to go through the entire process and share very personal emotions --discovering with him important lessons for anyone involved in international adoption. The frustrations and bureaucracy encountered are almost overwhelming, but well worth it. I loved this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering international adoption--single or married. However, I would also recommend it to anyone who would enjoy an inspirational true story about a man and a boy half-way accross the world who seemed destined to be family. I promise it will change your perspective on adoption and what it means to love. All we need now is the sequel. Thanks Robert for living and telling your story.
(One more thought, if I were a TV producer, it would make a great Sunday Night Movie)

I admire this author and person very much. She survived a hideous childhood, yet has the strength to write about it. I know her story will help countless others who have endured similar experiences. Her writing skills are excellent.

I had to order this book for school, but I would definitely recommend it if you are interested in social work.

The story belongs to the one who tells it best. This will never be topped. Sensitive and brave, Sue William finds the words to tell the truth and heal not only her own soul but many others.

There is a reason why this book has such a high customer rating. I have never read such a well written and beautifully articulated story of horrendous abuse. I read ALOT of books on this subject. None can compare. It addresses the subject of incest by a father and an enabling mother. It speaks of her relationship with her parents well after the abuse has ended. Anyone who must, or choose, to stay in relationship with their abuser will relate to this. There is much to connect with in her story. Buy it quickly!

I bought this book with hesitancy due to what I thought would be wading through the horrors of family incest, however; Silverman writes with such beautiful prose she makes the subject remain heartwrenching, yet readable in one of those books that does not come along very often. Her account is horrific and not for the faint of heart, but the writing and her courage to to endure and survive the atrocities of her childhood give the reader faith in how strong the human spririt can truly be. An amazing story told by an amazing woman who is obviously also a very gifted writer.